MIAMI — In an unusual move for a Sunday morning at 8:57 a.m., the Miami Heat welcomed their latest players—Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Kyle Anderson—into the team’s interview room. The timing signified the urgency of their new roles as the team begins a fresh chapter.
During their first official engagement with the Heat, team president Pat Riley provided a formal introduction to the three newcomers, who recently joined Miami through the trade of Jimmy Butler to Golden State. Following their initial briefing, the trio participated in their first practice with the team, gearing up for their potential debut in Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics.
Wiggins expressed enthusiasm about this significant transition in his career, acknowledging the challenges of changing teams midseason while highlighting the promising opportunities ahead. “It’s time for a new chapter,” he stated. With 11 seasons under his belt, Wiggins is on pace to contribute significantly, having averaged 17.6 points this season for the Warriors and maintaining a career average of 18.5 points over 749 games. His value during the Warriors’ championship run in 2022 was underscored by coach Steve Kerr, who emphasized Wiggins’ crucial role in securing their title.
Stephen Curry echoed these sentiments, recognizing Wiggins as a key player during the NBA Finals with impressive statistics, including 18.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He reflected on how Wiggins’ time with the Warriors has benefited him and acknowledged his bright future with the Heat.
Davion Mitchell, drafted 9th overall in 2021, is also expected to make a positive impact on Miami’s squad. At 26 years old, the guard comes with a reputation for his defensive capabilities, which aligns with the Heat’s culture of hard work. “Everyone’s just playing hard,” Mitchell remarked about the team’s ethos.
The new recruits experienced their introduction to the Heat’s culture during an eventful Saturday night, coinciding with the Heat Gala, which typically garners over $1 million for the team’s charitable efforts. They mingled with teammates and staff, participated in some lighthearted activities, and enjoyed an evening of entertainment, albeit minimizing their dance moves to conserve energy for Sunday’s practice.
Riley expressed his understanding and compassion for players undergoing transitions, noting his past experiences with team relocations throughout his career. His goal is to ensure that Wiggins, Mitchell, and Anderson feel at home within the Heat culture, which they believe is a perfect fit for the new additions.
Kyle Anderson adds further depth to the lineup as he joins his fifth NBA team after stints with various franchises including San Antonio and Minnesota. Also a product of the 2014 draft, he carries an average of 6.8 points per game and has garnered respect from coaches, including Gregg Popovich, who instilled in him the importance of treating regular-season games with playoff intensity.
As Wiggins approaches his 30th birthday, he reflects on his journey from being the first overall pick by Cleveland to his trade to Minnesota. Love, also a player for the Heat, sees Wiggins’ arrival as a “full-circle moment” and has confidence in his ability to contribute positively both on and off the court. “He is a Heat guy,” Love affirmed, highlighting Wiggins’s selfless nature and competitive spirit as key attributes that align with the Heat’s values.
This marks a fresh beginning for Wiggins, Mitchell, and Anderson, and the organization is hopeful that their contributions will strengthen the Miami Heat’s playoff ambitions.
